TexMessage: Sheila Jackson Lee wants us to “Make It In America”

TEXclusive

A group of Democratic lawmakers came together today to reveal a 9-minute documentary on their efforts to increase manufacturing jobs in America. According to Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., their efforts, which they’ve called the “Make it in America” agenda, have produced almost 30 bills or proposed bills that are ready for action in Congress. He also lists the following Make It In America bills that were signed into law by Obama in 2010:

U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act [Public Law 111-227]

Protecting American Patents [Public Law 111-224]

Preventing Outsourcing [Public Law 111-226]

Small Business Jobs Act [Public Law 111-240]

Energy Jobs and Training for Veterans Act [Public Law 111-275]

America COMPETES Reauthorization Act [Public Law 111-358]

Houston Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee had this to say of the documentary released today:

“Manufacturing has been a critical sector in our recovery and Democrats’ Make It In America plan is aimed at strengthening this industry by creating an encouraging environment for businesses to innovate and make products here in the U.S. This documentary shows why investments in our ability to out-build, out-educate and out-innovate our competitors are critical to strengthening the manufacturing sector, creating well-paying jobs, and ensuring more middle class families can make it in America.”

It remains to be seen what Republicans will make of the documentary (although we can make a pretty good guess), but you can probably bet they’ll be out with a rebuttal sometime soon. Check it out below and decide for yourself.

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★ DON’T ACCUSE THE CHILD OF A CUBAN IMMIGRANT WHOSE FAMILY WAS IMPRISONED AND TORTURED BEFORE FLEEING TO AMERICA OF BEING A “RED.” The boxing gloves are out in the Senate race for Kay Bailey Hutchison’s seat as political newcomer and conservative poster child, Ted Cruz, attacked his front-running opponent, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

The first order of advice? Don’t lie. Second? If you do lie, don’t call the son of a Cuban immigrant “whose family was imprisoned and tortured before fleeing to America” a “red” communist. Cruz’s campaign sent the memo to Dewhurst on Wednesday, attacking him for sending emails to supporters with the communist name-calling and for shirking on 11 candidate forums. Cruz called on Dewhurst to come out of hiding and even offered some debate tips for when they meet in the next forum, should Dewhurst decide to show up. “Remember this is a Republican primary,” Cruz wrote in the memo. “And while your personal wealth will help you, it doesn’t entitle you to be a senator.” More>>>

★ REP. KEVIN BRADY URGES PASSAGE OF FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH COLOMBIA, PANAMA AND SOUTH KOREA. The pending free trade agreements advanced through a committee on Wednesday, and Brady said the House must pass the agreements or the U.S. will miss out on jobs and new sales.

“These three “Sell American” agreements have been five years in the making. The game clock has been ticking and until these agreements are implemented, we will continue to miss out on the 250,000 jobs and $13 billion in new sales opportunities for our manufacturers, farmers, and service companies. To get back in the game we must pass these agreements now. Let’s not delay any longer.”

★ REP. LOUIE GOHMERT GIVES ADVICE TO THE SUPREME COURT. The Tyler representative joined a group of Republican senators and representatives in the Senate Swamp this morning to present a petition signed by 1.6 million Americans asking for the repeal of Obamacare. The lawmakers pledged to repeal the health care bill before the Supreme Court rules on it, but Gohmert one-upped them and sent a message straight to the Supreme Court that should make it easier for them to decide.

“In the ObamaCare bill, any president they don’t like will have access to any Justice’s health care records,” he said.

“All of their medical records will be available to the people they don’t like in the federal government,” he added.

But as Think Progress points out, “the law requires HHS to obtain “de-identified claims” that would that could not be attributed to individual patients.” More>>>

Poll of the Week

Results of last week’s poll

Tweets of the Day

@HoustonTomorrow: J David Bamberger: “When you’re 8 yrs old & yr mom sends you 5 miles to fill a 5 gallon bucket of water & get back (cont) #sxsweco

@HoustonTomorrow: & half of the water is on your legs, you become a conservationist quick, so you don’t have to keep going back again.” #sxsweco

Texas Watch

TxPotomac lets you know what stories to look out for later this week.

On Deck: Today

★Thursday, Oct. 6: Get him while he’s hot! Herman Cain is having a WorkFaith Connection “Friendraiser” (aww) breakfast at the Junior League of Houston. If you love conjunctions as much as Herman Cain seems to, head on over to 1811 Briar Oaks Lane in Houston, Texas.

On Deck: This Week and Beyond

★Friday, Oct. 7, through Sunday, Oct. 9: Everyone’s favorite candidates (yes, even you Paul fans get your day) will be speaking at the Values Voter Summit this weekend at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in D.C. Come on by and see how many signatures you can get on your GOP elephant pin.

★Friday, Oct. 7: First Friday Happy Hour, D.C.’s top Conservative happy hour, will take place tonight at Union Pub near Capitol Hill. Check out the Values Voters Summit first, then head on over with the new folks you meet for a few drinks!

★ Saturday, Oct. 8: Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston, will present a certificate and a U.S. Flag to a newly minted Eagle Scout in Houston.

★Wednesday, Oct. 12: The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on the lingering impact of the offshore drilling moratorium, to talk about the effect of a six-month presidential mandate that took place a year ago. No word on when they’re scheduling a hearing on the lingering impact of constant congressional gridlock–but then again, that hasn’t ended yet.

Today in Texas History

On this day in 1968, the summer-long international exposition known as HemisFair ’68 came to an end. The event, held from April 6 through October 6 in San Antonio, was the first officially designated World’s Fair to be held in the southwestern United States. More>>>